Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman retained existing direct and indirect tax rates in Budget 2024, including no changes to import duties. Middle-class taxpayers will face no new taxes or get any new relief on incomes. "Keeping with the convention, I do not propose to make any changes relating to taxation and propose to retain the same tax rates for direct taxes and indirect taxes including import duties," Sitharaman said in her Budget speech on Thursday. Tax planning strategies can continue unchanged as deductions, exemptions, and tax-saving investments remain the same. No adjustments are needed for middle-class taxpayers as the tax framework remains unaltered. The budget maintains the status quo on tax rates across direct and indirect taxes. 

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center introduces a breakthrough 'heart-on-a-chip' model, utilizing mature heart cells derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells. This miniature, lab-grown heart addresses cardiac risks associated with certain cancer therapies. With a beating rate of 60 beats per minute, resembling the human rhythm, the chip provides an ethical environment to test cancer drugs, minimizing potential heart damage. The innovation, reducing reliance on animal models, marks a significant step in evaluating and preventing cancer therapy-induced cardiotoxicity.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi criticized the Enforcement Directorate's arrest of former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, dubbing agencies like ED, CBI, and IT as the 'Vipaksh Mitao Cell' (Remove Opposition Cell) of the BJP. Gandhi, leading the 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra,' alleged the BJP, mired in corruption, aims to undermine democracy. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge also condemned the ED's actions, terming it a BJP strategy to intimidate opposition leaders. Soren, arrested after eight hours of questioning in a land scam case, resigned before the arrest. The ED claims evidence of Soren benefiting from an alleged land scam.

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, arrested by the Enforcement Directorate, declared his refusal to accept defeat, stating on X, "As long as there is life, there is struggle," echoing poet Shivmangal Singh Suman's resilience. The arrest followed over seven hours of questioning in a money laundering case. Soren resigned before his arrest, triggering a political crisis. JMM legislative party leader Champai Soren emerged as his successor, staking claim to form the new government with 47 MLAs. Hemant Soren faces allegations linked to illegal possession of immovable assets and connections with the 'land mafia' in Jharkhand. The Enforcement Directorate seeks his remand for custodial interrogation.

Tata Steel's CEO, TV Narendran, informed MPs that plans to shut blast furnaces at Port Talbot steelworks, eliminating up to 2,800 jobs, are "pretty much" settled. The shift towards an electric arc furnace is seen as a competitive and greener move. Narendran emphasized it's the beginning of a new steelmaking era. The majority of job cuts affect the UK's largest steelworks in South Wales. Tata received £500m in taxpayer funding for the transition. Unions call for reconsideration, warning of a potential "major industrial dispute." Statutory consultation on job losses is pending.

Ukraine and Russia executed their initial prisoner exchange following a Russian plane crash, with each side reclaiming 195 soldiers. The swap, disputed due to a downed plane last week, involved 207 Ukrainian soldiers and civilians, as confirmed by President Zelensky. Moscow asserts the plane carried 65 Ukrainian PoWs, blaming a US Patriot system for the crash. The details remain unverified, prompting calls for an international inquiry. Russian President Putin claims the aircraft was downed in the Belgorod region. The exchange marks the 50th since Putin's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Both sides emphasize the need to bring all captives home.

India's Foreign Minister, S Jaishankar, shared insights from the Ramayana in an interview with NDTV, highlighting Hanuman's diplomatic role. Jaishankar sees parallels in his own job, emphasizing the importance of using Indian examples. He noted Hanuman's envoy mission to Lanka, intelligence gathering, and activist diplomacy. Referring to Hanuman's tactics in Ravan's court, Jaishankar highlighted psychological advantages. The minister finds relevance in these ancient diplomatic strategies for today. In his conversation with NDTV Editor-in-Chief Sanjay Pugalia, Jaishankar encourages the use of indigenous references in understanding contemporary scenarios.

Swedish police responded to a security incident at the Israeli embassy in Stockholm, where a "dangerous object" triggered a major operation. A 100m area around the embassy was cordoned off. The Israeli ambassador labeled it an "attempted attack," expressing resilience. Swedish Deputy Prime Minister condemned the incident, emphasizing the need to halt violent extremism. No injuries were reported, and the national bomb squad safely destroyed the object. Investigation ongoing. The incident unfolded in the Ostermalm area. Israel thanked Swedish authorities for swift action. The embassy remains vigilant against potential threats.

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has accused President Mohamed Muizzu’s administration of safeguarding criminals, following an attack on Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem in Male City. Shameem, currently receiving treatment at ADK Hospital, was assaulted on the streets. The MDP condemns the attack, citing alleged connections between top officials and criminal gangs. The opposition party criticizes Muizzu's administration for failing to protect officials fulfilling constitutional duties. Noting an increase in violent assaults since Muizzu took office, the MDP calls for an investigation, urging the government to sever alleged ties with criminal groups. Former President Solih labels the attack as politically motivated.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren was arrested in a money laundering case after resigning, refusing to sign the arrest memo until he stepped down, according to Enforcement Directorate officials. Soren, questioned for six hours in connection with a ₹600-crore land scam, filed a case against ED officers earlier. Transport Minister Champai Soren, not his wife Kalpana as speculated, is set to become the new CM. The arrest followed a search at Soren's Delhi residence, revealing cash and a BMW. Soren claimed harassment and misinformation in the ED's actions, sparking a seismic shift in Jharkhand politics.